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Obama testifies to the power of government

Obama used history to call for change on immigration, gay rights and gun control. | AP Photo

“We will respond to the threat of climate change, knowing that the failure to do so would betray our children and future generations. Some may still deny the overwhelming judgment of science, but none can avoid the devastating impact of raging fires, and crippling drought, and more powerful storms,” he said. “The path towards sustainable energy sources will be long and sometimes difficult. But America cannot resist this transition; we must lead it. … That is how we will preserve our planet, commanded to our care by God.”

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Obama arrives at Capitol: 'I miss this place'

Obamas, Bidens depart White House

Obama family attends church

It all sounded good to the Obama faithful.

“He said a lot of stuff I wanted to hear. I loved what he said about health care, I loved what he said about gay rights, it was all really good to hear. I think sometimes he tries to be centrist. It was a good tone to take — that he’s going to do all he can,” said John Bethea of Downingtown, Pa., before adding of his own reaction, “Psyched is an understatement.”

More than even most Inaugurations, full of pomp and pageantry as they are, Monday’s swearing-in was purely ceremonial: Obama and Vice President Joe Biden officially began their second terms on Sunday, the date mandated by the Constitution, in separate ceremonies in Washington.

Obama appeared to savor his second and final Inauguration Monday, reminiscing about the Capitol Building in which he once worked as a senator and smiling broadly as the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir belted out the Battle Hymn of the Republic from a Capitol terrace above and behind him.

“I miss this place,” Obama said as he passed through the Capitol to take his seat on the platform where he and Vice President Joe Biden were to take ceremonial oaths of office. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor administered the oath to Biden about 11:45 a.m., giving way to James Taylor, who delivered a rendition of “America the Beautiful.” Obama took the oath of office just before noon.

Inside the Capitol, a who’s-who of the political, military, entertainment and sports industries were spotted arriving early: Gen. Ray Odierno, the Army chief of staff, singer John Legend, Republican vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan and Hall of Fame baseball player Hank Aaron among them. “Gonna be a good day,” said Aaron, who was in the Capitol with his wife.

The Obama family started its morning with a service at St. John’s, the small church across Lafayette Square from the White House that has long been a place of worship for presidents. When they arrive on the west front of the Capitol and look out across the mall, they will see far fewer people than they did four years ago, when Obama was sworn in as the nation’s first black president. There were 1.8 million people at that Inauguration, though Washington authorities are predicting fewer this year.